The joint memorandum circular (JMC) signed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), and the Department of Budget would open new employment opportunities for persons with disability.
NCDA officer-in-charge Deputy Exe-cutive Director Dandy Victa said JMC s. 2023 will, among others, identify the budget for the employment of PWDs who are mostly self-employed.
“What’s important is that our persons with disability are able to join open employment activities,” he said.
“Ito ‘yong pagkakaroon ng support service mula recruitment, hiring, placement, at sa pang-araw-araw po nilang pagpasok sa kanilang mga trabaho.”
The JMC, which provides guidelines on the proper reporting, monitoring, and use of funds for activities, programs, and projects for PWDs, was signed on Dec. 15.
As of Dec. 19, the Philippine Registry of Persons with Di-sabilities has recorded 1,324,206 PWDs with identification cards.
Currently, the NCDA is focused on supporting the rights of PWDs through appropriate services.
Victa said every category of PWD needs various services, and local government units play a vital role as they are mandated for the implementation of such in their communities.
“For example, kung mayroon kayong mga kliyente o customers na deaf persons, kailangan mayroong available na mga sign language interpreters or nakakaintindi iyong ating mga frontline services para sa mga pangangailangan ng mga deaf,” he said.
With the newly signed JMC, the NCDA expects the strengthened implementation of rehabilitation and habilitation services.
Victa emphasized both services constitute a big part of the PWD’s daily expenses. “Sana sa taong darating ay ganap na maipatupad iyong ating PhilHealth coverage for PWDs para mapaigting iyong kanilang pag-avail ng serbisyo as far as rehabilitation and habilitation,” he said. – PNA
